Planting, Protecting, and Propagating Your Culture

Adventures in Businessing: Entrepreneurship, Small Business, and a Healthy Dose of Humor

Show Notes:

• [0:00:46] Intro | Timely Topics
  • A brief recap of our series on culture.
  • Minimal, memorable, and meaningful values.
• [0:02:05] Planting, Protecting, and Propagating Your Culture
  • The power of alliteration.
  • You can plant the seeds of your culture.
    • ...but you can't force it.
  • Culture is something you can determine and discover.
  • Your purpose and values have to align with themselves and your culture at large.
    • You have to check on this regularly, preferably annually.
  • Pruning & What to Fight for
    • Has your organization changed enough to warrant culling or adding a core value?
    • Your mission statement can change as well.
• [0:10:30] How do You Reinforce Your Culture?
  • With action!
    • Culture without action is just aspirational consideration.
  • Memorialize your values and display them for all to see.
  • Every member of your leadership should be reminding, and living out by example, what's important in your company.
• [0:16:30] Reminder: You Already Have a Company Culture
  • Culture is always growing, even if you choose to ignore it.
    • Don't ignore it.
• [0:17:30] Other Ways You Can Develop Your Culture
  • Celebrate and congratulate culture growth publicly.
  • Ask questions based on your values during the interview and hiring processes.
    • Just be mindful that you aren't using this as a way to discriminate.
    • Your company values should impact the questions you ask.
  • Reward those who demonstrate and protect your culture.
    • If someone challenges your leadership or decision based on a core value...GOOD!
      • Acknowledge and reward people for calling out when something doesn't live up to the organization's core values.
  • Be careful of absolutes.
  • Not everyone will be a fit for your organization.
    • But if you have your values well defined, everyone will know what is and is not a good fit.
• [0:26:58] Final Thoughts on Planting, Protecting, and Propagating Your Culture
  • "This is incredibly important work, and your work is never done."
  • If can feel like you're not doing the most important thing when working on and being intentional about culture.
    • ...but it's arguably one of the most important aspects of your business.